Bowden named Fisher, 41, as his offensive coordinator at Florida State, which had suffered decreasing production on offense in recent years under the directions of Bowden's youngest son, Jeff Bowden.

"His ability to put in an offense and adjust as the season goes along is second to none," Bobby Bowden said about Fisher. "He brings the experience and attitude that I was looking for in a coordinator."

A West Virginia native, Fisher spent the past seven seasons at LSU, where the offense set 13 school records under his direction. He will also take over as quarterback coach for Daryl Dickey, whose contract was not renewed.

Michigan

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Alan Branch is skipping his senior season at Michigan to enter the NFL draft, delivering a blow to the Wolverines a week after they lost the Rose Bowl.

The 6-foot-6, 311-pound defensive tackle, a second-team All-American, is projected as a first-round pick in April's draft.

Georgia Tech

ATLANTA -- Georgia Tech receiver Calvin Johnson announced Monday that he will enter the NFL draft, giving up his final college season for the chance to be one of the top players selected.

Johnson was chosen to The Associated Press All-America team and won the Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver. Also, coach Chan Gailey said Monday that he interviewed with the Miami Dolphins and was waiting to hear if he was still a candidate to replace Nick Saban.

Gailey, a former Dolphins offensive coordinator, is on a long list of potential candidates that also includes former Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora.

Miami

MIAMI -- Miami Hurricanes outside linebacker Jon Beason has decided to skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

Beason led the Hurricanes with 91 tackles this season. He's projected to be taken in the first three rounds of the April draft.

LSU spokesman Michael Bonnette said Monday that university officials were helping Russell make the announcement, but Bonnette labeled as "premature" recent reports that Russell had already decided to turn pro.

ESPN reported Sunday that Russell has decided to enter the draft.

Louisville

As expected, Louisville's search to replace Bobby Petrino appears destined to be short and narrowly focused, ESPN reported. Tulsa's Steve Kragthorpe is the choice, according to a source close to the negotiations. Pending a formal agreement and finalized details, he will be named this week.

Officials at both schools declined comment, but Louisville athletic director Tom Jurich is expected to fly to Tulsa Tuesday to meet with Kragthorpe.

Jurich spent part of Monday afternoon meeting with the Louisville team and told the players they should expect to have a new coach quickly.